Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Polish defender Jakub Kiwior has completed his much-anticipated move to FC Porto, bringing an end to his two-and-a-half-year stint at Arsenal. The deal structure includes a €2 million loan fee with a mandatory €17 million purchase obligation, representing a significant investment by the Portuguese giants in their defensive reinforcement strategy.
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Transfer Structure Breakdown
The comprehensive agreement between Arsenal and Porto showcases modern football’s complex transfer mechanisms. The initial loan arrangement requires Porto to pay €2 million upfront, followed by a mandatory €17 million purchase obligation that activates at the end of the 2025-26 season.
| Transfer Component | Value | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Fee | €2 million | Immediate |
| Obligation to Buy | €17 million | Summer 2026 |
| Base Transfer Value | €19 million | Combined |
| Maximum with Add-ons | €27 million | Performance-based |
Additional performance-related bonuses and a sell-on clause could elevate the total package to between €25-27 million, making this one of the most substantial defensive transfers in Portuguese football history.
Arsenal’s Strategic Decision
Arsenal’s willingness to sanction Kiwior’s departure reflects both financial pragmatism and squad optimization. The 25-year-old arrived from Serie A side Spezia in January 2023 for €19.5 million, meaning the Gunners will secure a profit on their investment while addressing squad balance concerns.
Kiwior has made 68 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions, contributing three goals during his tenure. However, the defender had fallen down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order, making regular playing time increasingly difficult to secure at the Emirates Stadium.
The Polish international’s versatility proved valuable during his Arsenal career, with his best spell coming at the back end of last season when he deputised for the injured Gabriel Magalhaes in nine consecutive Premier League matches and played a key role in reaching the Champions League semi-finals.
Porto’s Ambitious Summer Recruitment
Kiwior becomes Porto’s 10th signing of the 2025-26 transfer window, underlining the club’s ambitious approach to squad building. The Polish defender will reunite with compatriot Jan Bednarek, who also joined Porto during this summer transfer window.
Porto’s 2025-26 Transfer Activity
| Player | Previous Club | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Jakub Kiwior | Arsenal | Centre-back/Left-back |
| Jan Bednarek | Southampton | Centre-back |
| Pablo Rosario | Nice | Midfielder |
| Gabri Veiga | Al Ahli | Midfielder |
| Victor Froholdt | Copenhagen | Forward |
Porto’s investment has exceeded €100 million in reinforcements, representing what club officials described as potentially “the biggest transfer window in the club’s history.”
Financial Impact and Market Value
The transfer could establish Kiwior as the most expensive central defender in Portuguese football history. The deal structure provides Porto with immediate defensive reinforcement while spreading the financial commitment across multiple seasons.
Transfermarkt currently values Kiwior at €28 million, suggesting Arsenal has secured fair market value despite the defender’s limited playing time in recent months.
Transfer Fee Comparison in Portuguese Football:
- Jakub Kiwior (Porto): Up to €27 million
- David Carmo (Porto): €20+ million
- Zeno Debast (Sporting): €15.5 million
- Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica): €15 million
Immediate Timeline and Medical
Kiwior is scheduled to travel to Portugal within the next 24 hours to complete his medical examination and finalize contractual arrangements. The rapid progression indicates both clubs’ eagerness to complete the transfer before the summer window closes.
The documentation approval process is currently underway, with Porto officials expressing confidence that all formalities will be completed smoothly.
Strategic Implications for Both Clubs
Arsenal’s decision to include a sell-on clause demonstrates long-term thinking, ensuring they benefit from any future transfer should Kiwior’s market value increase significantly during his Portuguese stint. The structure also allows Arsenal to immediately reinvest in defensive reinforcements, with Piero Hincapie of Bayer Leverkusen heavily linked as Kiwior’s replacement.
For Porto, securing Kiwior represents a statement of intent regarding their defensive ambitions. The Polish international brings Premier League experience and international pedigree, having earned 35 caps for Poland and scored twice at senior level.
Kiwior’s Career Trajectory
Kiwior began his football journey with Chrzesciciel Tychy before moving to GKS Tychy, eventually earning his move to Italian football with Spezia. His progression through different leagues demonstrates adaptability that should serve him well in Portuguese football.
The defender’s technical abilities and tactical awareness caught Arsenal’s attention during his Serie A performances, and these same qualities are expected to flourish in Porto’s possession-based system.
Read More: Official: Xavi Simons Completes €60M Move to Tottenham from RB Leipzig
FAQs
What is the total value of Jakub Kiwior’s transfer to Porto?
The deal includes a €2 million loan fee and €17 million obligation to buy, with add-ons potentially taking the total to €25-27 million.
When will Kiwior officially join Porto?
Kiwior is scheduled to travel to Portugal within 24 hours to complete his medical and sign his contract.
Why did Arsenal sell Kiwior?
Kiwior had fallen down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order and wanted more regular playing time, while Arsenal needed to balance their books after heavy summer spending.
Will Arsenal benefit from future sales?
Yes, Arsenal has included a sell-on clause in the agreement, ensuring they receive a percentage of any future transfer fee.
How many Polish players will be at Porto?
Kiwior will join compatriot Jan Bednarek, making two Polish defenders in Porto’s squad for the 2025-26 season.
